Celebrating CC’s 95th Anniversary

The Culver City Historical Society presented “Meet Me in Culver City,” a celebration to honor Culver City’s 95th Anniversary, on Sunday, September 23, 2012, at the historic Culver Hotel.

Margaret O’Brien, Oscar-winning icon from MGM, served as Honorary Chair of the event and was honored with a commendation from the Culver City Council.

Miss O’Brien was the biggest child star throughout the 1940s and a number one box office attraction. Her unforgettable performance as Tootie Smith in Meet Me in St. Louis (MGM, 1944) with Judy Garland as her co-star, earned her an Academy Award and the position of the highest paid entertainer in the nation.

Her movie credits include Babes on Broadway, Journey For Margaret, The Canterville Ghost, and Unfinished Dance. Her brilliant work in The Secret Garden and Little Women immortalized her in tear-filled audiences worldwide. Today, she continues to receive film and television offers. She has guest-starred on Murder, She Wrote and Tales From the Darkside.

A Great Turnout of Members, City Officials and Friends

Among the many happy guests were CC Mayor Andy Weissman and his wife Doneil, Vice Mayor Jeff Cooper, and Councilmembers Meghan Sahli-Wells and Jim Clarke, who shares his birthday of September 20 with our fair city! Also enjoying the afternoon were former CC Mayors Steven J. Rose and Paul Jacobs, whose wife Joy (CCHS Communications Chair) won several of the special raffle gifts!

Other notable city officials included David Hauptman and his wife Diana, their Commissioners John Kuechle and wife Nancy, Kevin Lachoff with wife Michele (both on the CCHS Board), with 3-year-old son Nicholas (who helped sell many raffle tickets!). The Cultural Affairs Commission was well represented by Regina Klein who brought new CCHS member Bob Wayne, Michelle Bernardin and her fabulous family who so expertly handled the raffle items, and Christine Byers. City Manager John Nachbar and wife Patti attended, along with City Attorney Carol Schwab (one of the Society’s most dedicated volunteers!) with her husband David Warshaw.

Guest of Honor Margaret O’Brien Receives City Commendation

The City of Culver City presented a Commendation to our very special Guest of Honor, Miss Margaret O’Brien. Her dear friend Randal Malone was recognized by the Society for his many years in the film industry, a ready source of movie history which includes his local experience with the Game Show Network among many other activities. It was also a delight to have actor Joey Luft join us, the son of the great Judy Garland and producer Sid Luft.

“Meet Me in Culver City” celebrated Culver City’s history while raising awareness and funds for the Culver City Historical Society, which was founded in 1980 as a non-profit membership organization created for the purpose of collecting, preserving, and exhibiting the history of the Culver City area and its cultural and civic accomplishments.

The Culver City Historical Society’s Archives and Resource Center (ARC) supports the vision and goals of the Society. All proceeds from this event will benefit the ARC and support its mission in the community.

The ARC exhibits historical photos and memorabilia, raises awareness of local history through educational programs, and is a free resource catering to researchers of historical photos and information at universities, the film industry, and the public.

Archives and Research Center (ARC) hours

Located in the Veterans Memorial Building at 4117 Overland Avenue, the Culver City Historical Society Archives & Resource Center (ARC) is open the 1st and 3rd Sundays of every month from 1:00p to 3:00p and by appointment. Please enter through the parking lot at the rear of the building.